Frequently Asked Questions
"Functional disorganization of the body comes as a result of exposure to the direct force of gravity"
- Ida P. Rolf.
What do I wear during the session?
During a session, women typically wear two-piece underwear, whilst men wear boxer-briefs or swimming trunks. If for unusual circumstances this is not possible, the work can be given through a thin tight layer of clothing; however the benefits of direct contact are lost.
How long is each session?
Sessions last 75 minutes, typically involving an initial consultation/update (5-10min), hands on body work (50-60 min) and end of session movement work (5-10 min).
Does this treatment hurt?
A common misunderstanding with Structural Integration is that it can be painful; however this is not my belief. In some cases, on releasing a constriction there can be an instantaneous sensation of heat and energy. However in contrast, in areas of body resistance heavy pressure and pain is not productive and a different more sensitive approach is necessary. As a result a high level of communication is key within my practice.
Do I have to have the whole ten series?
To experience the full benefit and impact of the series it is recommended to complete the 10 sessions, however it is possible to stop the treatment at any point. The first 3 sessions create a mini-series within themselves, so are a great way to see if you like the work. Alternatively a one-off can also be hugely beneficial.
"Structural Integration is about the whole person, it is about fascia and feeling. The sensation of moving from weakness to strength, the exhilaration of owning a new part of oneself, the immediate and simultaneous re-education of one’s being and action, the joy of self – empowerement, waking up, these are the experiences of Structural Integration."
- Emmett Hutchins.
Is the spacing of the sessions important?
Following each session it is ideal to have a minimum spacing of a week to allow the input of the work to be integrated in the body within everyday life. For convenience, this session spacing can be extended to 2-3 weeks between sessions; however any greater amount of time can lead to disruptions in the sequence of work.
Do the effects of the sessions last?
Yes, photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Ten Series show that changes are still present and structure often improved. Keep in mind however, as life changes, bodies change in response. Any injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional stress may necessitate additional work.
Does age matter?
Not at all, the Rolf work can benefit all ages, from babies and young children up to the very elderly. In cases where there are disabilities or more fragile structures (for instance with small children) the work, as it is with every client, is tailored to the individual.
If I have a joint replacement, can I still have structural integration?
Joint replacements can change the weight-bearing dynamics within the body, creating constrictions within the surrounding connective tissue. Structural Integration is highly effective on releasing these constrictions, creating extension across the joints and a natural balance within the system.
What is the difference between Structural Integration, Massage and other Bodywork practices (such as Chiropratic medicine and Osteopathy)?
Structural Integration is frequently confused with massage due to its hands-on approach; however it works with the body in a slightly different way. Massage focuses on the muscular system and uses pressure to enhance circulation and muscle recovery, whereas Structural Integration works with the connective tissue (myofascia) to create a permanent change in the body structure.
In contrast Chiropractic medicine works with the skeletal system to balance the structure of the body. However if there is an imbalance of movement held within the connective tissue, mis-alignment and its accompanied symptoms will return over time, despite skeletal correction.
Structural Integration is given as a set of 10 sessions in which the body’s structure is addressed as a whole. The 10 sessions systematically releases different areas of the body in a specific sequence to maximise the body’s structural potential and bring it into natural alignment. Osteopathy shares many similar principles to Structural Integration, including manipulation of the connective tissue; however the approach of the ten sessions is unique to the Rolf work.
"I am dealing with problems in the body where there is never just one cause. I'd like you to have more reality on the circular processes that do not act in the body, but that are the body. The body process is not linear, it is circular; always, it is circular. One thing goes awry, and its effects go on and on and on and on. A body is a web, connecting everything with everything else."
- Ida P. Rolf.